Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hammer'

English Word: hammer

Key Russian Translations:

• молот [ˈmolət] - [Noun, Common; Used in everyday contexts for tools]
• заколачивать [zəkɐˈlaʧʲɪvətʲ] - [Verb, Informal; Used for the action of hammering nails or objects]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in contexts like construction, DIY, and tools, but not as frequent as basic everyday vocabulary.)

Difficulty: A1 for 'молот' (Beginner level, as it's a basic noun); B1 for 'заколачивать' (Intermediate, due to verb conjugation and contextual usage).

Pronunciation (Russian):

молот: [ˈmolət]

заколачивать: [zəkɐˈlaʧʲɪvətʲ]

Note on молот: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. For заколачивать, the infinitive form has a soft ending; pronounce it fluidly without over-emphasizing the 'ч'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As a tool (noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• молот - Refers to a handheld tool for striking, commonly in construction or repair work; used in neutral or formal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял молот и начал ремонтировать забор.

  I took the hammer and started repairing the fence.

• В мастерской лежит старый молот, который дедушка использовал для ковки.

  In the workshop, there's an old hammer that grandfather used for forging.

• Молот необходим для любых работ по дереву или металлу.

  A hammer is essential for any woodworking or metalwork.

• Если нет молота, можно improvised с помощью камня.

  If there's no hammer, you can improvise with a stone.

• В музее выставлен молот из эпохи Средневековья.

  In the museum, there's a hammer from the Middle Ages on display.

As an action (verb)

Translation(s) & Context:

• заколачивать - Implies repeatedly striking or hammering something into place, often informally in daily conversations or instructions.

Usage Examples:

• Он заколачивал гвозди в стену, чтобы повесить картину.

  He was hammering nails into the wall to hang the picture.

• Дети заколачивали палки в землю, строя fort из веток.

  The children were hammering sticks into the ground to build a fort from branches.

• Мастер заколачивает детали, чтобы собрать мебель.

  The craftsman is hammering parts together to assemble the furniture.

• В дождь трудно заколачивать что-либо на улице.

  It's hard to hammer anything outside in the rain.

• Она заколачивала крышку ящика, чтобы он не открывался.

  She was hammering the lid of the box shut so it wouldn't open.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'молот' (a masculine noun in the second declension), it follows standard Russian noun patterns with regular inflections. Below is a declension table:

For 'заколачивать' (a verb, imperfective aspect), it is conjugated regularly. Example in present tense:

Note: This verb has a perfective counterpart, 'заколотить', for completed actions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кувалда (sledgehammer; heavier, more industrial version; used for larger-scale hammering)
  • молоток (a smaller hammer, like a mallet; more precise in some contexts)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as 'hammer' is a tool. However, conceptually, something like отвёртка (screwdriver) could be seen as an alternative tool in fastening contexts.

Related Phrases:

• молот и наковальня - A common phrase meaning "hammer and anvil," often used metaphorically for hard work or forging (e.g., in idioms about perseverance).
• заколачивать гвозди - Literally "hammering nails," used for building or securing things; implies steady, repetitive action.
• бить молотом - "To strike with a hammer," a more general phrase for forceful impact in various scenarios.

Usage Notes:

'Молот' directly corresponds to the English 'hammer' as a noun, making it straightforward for beginners. However, for the verb 'to hammer,' Russians often use phrases like 'заколачивать' or 'бить молотком' rather than a single word, so context matters. In formal writing, prefer 'молот' for tools, and in spoken language, 'заколачивать' for actions. Be aware of gender agreement in sentences (e.g., adjectives must agree with 'молот' as masculine). When choosing between translations, use 'молот' for physical objects and 'заколачивать' for dynamic actions.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse 'молот' with 'молоток' (a smaller hammer), leading to misuse in size-specific contexts. Error: Saying "Я взял молоток для большого проекта" when a full-sized hammer is needed. Correct: "Я взял молот для большого проекта." Explanation: 'Молоток' is for lighter tasks, while 'молот' is for heavier ones.
• Another error is incorrect verb conjugation, e.g., saying "Я заколачивает" instead of "Я заколачиваю" for first-person singular. Correct: Use the proper ending based on person and tense. Explanation: Russian verbs require consistent conjugation to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the hammer ('молот') symbolizes labor and craftsmanship, often seen in folklore and historical contexts like blacksmithing. It appears in Soviet-era iconography (e.g., the hammer and sickle emblem), representing industrial workers and agriculture. This adds a layer of historical connotation, where 'молот' might evoke images of traditional Russian villages or the Soviet era, making it more than just a tool.

Related Concepts:

• наковальня (anvil)
• кувалда (sledgehammer)
• инструменты (tools, in general)